The Beauty Clean-Up #4 (empties)

Welcome to the fourth edition of The Beauty Clean-Up. Yes, you read that right! I’ve been a little lazy with blogging lately but the empties keep piling up. I know I posted 2 empties posts last month here and here but even whilst writing those, some of these featured below were already empties. I just need to throw them away, y’know? (Funny because in my last post, I wrote that it’d be ‘a while’ till my next empties post…)

Cleansers & Serums

This should come as no surprise but I finished the Simple Micellar Cleansing Waterand have since purchased another bottle. I use this every single morning to prep my skin before I moisturise and/or apply my makeup. It’s refreshing. It doesn’t dry my skin out. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I prefer this to the Garnier Micellar Waters.

Speaking of Garnier though, I did pick up the Garnier Fresh Clarifying Washon a whim and I can’t remember why – except to say I wanted to try something new. Switching from my favourite cleanser (FYI – the SANA Soy Milk Moisture Cleansing Wash) to this was a huge jump so first impressions were mediocre. But as time went on, I think it’s okay, not bad. It’s a gel cleanser which isn’t my favourite but it performs a decent wash that doesn’t dry out my skin. This is as good as basic gets but don’t expect miracles cos there are none.

Now. I feel like lately on this blog, all I’ve been talking about is The Ordinary skincare (haul/first impressions + review). I’ve just finished two serums in a relatively short space of time so I think that says a lot. They are the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5and the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. I’ve seen the biggest changes to my skin since using these. My skin tone is a lot more even, my skin texture is a lot more smooth and my oil levels are a lot less. (If anything, I’ve had minimal breakouts since use!) Seriously guys, I couldn’t recommend these enough.

I also finally finished two sets of masks I’ve had for like two years (not to worry – these masks last about 3 years after manufactured date). Firstly, the Olay Aquaction Nourishing Hydration Sheet Maskswas a random buy when I was in Hong Kong. Don’t particularly like these. I mean, they’re okay but I think part of masking is enjoying the experience, and I didn’t enjoy these much. The sheet mask itself is really cotton-y and not the smoothest. The liquid is a cleansing milk consistency that I think just wasn’t for me and overall didn’t do much.

The Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Hydrogel Maskson the other hand is a whole ‘nother level in the world of masking. These were gifted to me by my brother from his trip to South Korea and he did note that these were pricey. These are super luxurious and fit like a glove. I really savoured these for days when I really wanted to treat myself because as described, these are intense care. Moisture, skin repair and anti-ageing all in one! Each time I used these, I felt that my skin was fully restored and more. 🙂

Lips

There’s only one makeup (?) product that I’ve finished and it’s the DIOR Lip Glow 001. This was a splurge-on-the-whim but I’m so glad I’ve tried it because I really like it. This is more lip balm than lipstick and I don’t know if the price can ever be justified; but it does what it says and it makes me happy. The balm adheres to the temperature of your lips upon contact, creating your healthy ‘lip glow’ colour. It’s so pretty and easy to wear! Fair-skin girls, I think you will like this.

Bath & Body

I introduced the Round Konjac Sponge in my October Monthly Favourites. Technically, this isn’t an empty but it has reached its ‘expiry date’. (It’s recommended to replace your sponge every few months.) I hung this in the shower, and every time I showered, I’d use it with my bath milk. It’s so gentle on the skin yet it exfoliates everything, leaving behind soft skin. I’m telling you – you need a few of these in your life.

If you are familiar with gift sets then you will know, there’s always one thing you leave behind unused. For me, it was the Marc Jacobs Daisy Shower Gelas I don’t typically use perfumed shower gels. It was okay but I guess I just like to keep things separate – perfume as perfume, shower gel as shower gel, so this is a bit of a miss!

Speaking of separates, the Palmolive Bath Milkhas always been a household-favourite and I still use it to this day. It’s very smooth and milky so it’s easy to work with, even on a Konjac Sponge.

Last but not least, I have two treatments that I’d happily repurchase – one for hands and one for dry patches. I think I’ve mentioned the Cien Hydro Hand Creambefore on this blog. It’s really inexpensive and a little goes a long way so this lasts for ages. Formulated with almond oil and shea butter, this applies just right!

On the contrary, the Eucerin Intension Lotion 10% w/w Cutaneous Emulsionis expensive but has similarly stood the test of time. It’s my winter skincare saviour for ugly, dry patches. I don’t know anything else that works quite like it but there’s no need because this is it!

Phew that was long! I think it’s fair to say that this round of empties is VERY skincare-heavy. I’ve yet to share makeup empties but I can tell you that I’ve hit pan on a compact powder which made me very happy!

What have you cleaned-up this month? Let me know in the comments below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Thank you lovely! I’m sorry for lack of photos to show, will update eventually on that but glad you enjoyed 🙂 haha it makes it easier for myself too to have a grading system so that I know what I like and don’t like.
xx ❤ 🙂

Skincare are the items I got through the fastest too. I’ve tried both the Simple and Garnier micellar waters and I found the Simple one to leave a residue on my skin.
I haven’t tried any Hada Labo products – I know their lotion (toner) is super popular. I might have to give it a try this year.
I use a konjac sponge every morning in the shower too – love them! My favourite – the softest most squishiest – is the white one from the Face Shop. Very well priced at $4.
That Dior Lip Glow sounds like an upscale mood lipstick? 😉

I’ve never had residue left over on my skin from a product but I do know it happens for some people! It’s unfortunate! But I guess the only explanation I can think of is that products react differently on different skins, including whether it grabs the dirt and oil it secretes which is individual to everyone’s skin.

I will have to buy the Garnier again in my next shopping trip I think! and just compare them both at the same time!

I have used the Hada Labo lotion too. Only good words. A very hydrating brand!

Ahh Konjac sponges are awesome right?! I buy mine from TK Maxx and will be buying more for a lifetime! I also love that they’re biodegradable so yay for the environment!

Haha yes, I will be re-purchasing the Dior Lip Glow. Not anytime soon but I can see myself buying it again in the near future. 🙂

Wow so many product empties! I love that you labelled your empties re-buy/no/neutral before you went into explaining. I haven’t tried alot of these products yet, so I will definitely take a look when I need to purchase new skincare/body care.